A few weeks ago while I was preparing my article about the
wise men of Matthew 1, I did some research into the Zoroastrian religion. It
was nothing in-depth, merely enough for identification purposes, but I read
something in passing that got me thinking. So this week, I want to do a little
comparative religion.
Specifically, this is a short look at comparative religion as it relates to eternal judgment. We do not often think of it, but the doctrine of hell is a very unique aspect of Christianity. Now you might initially think I don’t know what I am talking about. Plenty of religions have some type of hell. And you would be right about that. Learning that the Zoroastrians also believe in hell was what got me started on this topic. But believing in hell is not the point. It is what the world’s different religions believe about it that sets Christians apart.
Hell and World Religions
For the Zoroastrians, hell is a place of punishment
(surprising, I know). Those who are not believers in life and do not live holy
lives are sent there after death. So far, that sounds familiar (although to be
specific, the Christian belief in hell is more about separation than
punishment). But it is after that point when the differences come in. In
Zoroastrianism, hell is not permanent. The souls there suffer, but only enough
to purge their sins. After they have paid off their debts, they are able to
enter paradise.
This belief in an impermanent hell is fairly common.
Mormons, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses also share versions of it. Even a few
people who self-identify as Christians hold this type of view. However, since
it cannot be seriously considered a biblical view, it does not really bear
consideration as representative of Christianity. Neither does the concept of
Purgatory fit in here. While it is similar by being an impermanent place of
afterlife punishment, Catholics do still have an orthodox view of hell itself
(though if you are interested, I have discussed the problems with Purgatory elsewhere
at length).
So that is one common way of looking at hell: it exists,
but it isn’t forever. Another is that it does not exist at all. That is the
belief of Universalist Unitarians, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and obviously
atheists of whatever description. Universalism teaches that everyone will be
saved, while Buddhism and Hinduism have reincarnation cycles instead of an
afterlife as Westerners think of it. Judaism is perhaps a surprise, since the
Hebrew Scriptures also shape Christianity. However, the Old Testament does not
develop very much of a doctrine of eternity. It is there, of course, but it can
be missed. Clarity comes more with the New Testament.
Hell and Christianity
Maybe a day will come when I will go into depth on each of
these systems, but it isn’t today. I am not even going to go very far into the
Christian doctrine of hell. I only want to say enough to set it apart. And what
sets it apart is that it is forever. Rather than making hell impermanent or
nonexistent, in the New Testament judgment is real and eternal. A few of the
(very many) references making this point are Luke
16:19–31, Mark
9:42–48, and Revelation
20:11–15.
In bringing this up, my purpose is not foremost to make a
“fire and brimstone” sermonette. There is some of that here simply as a result
of bringing up the topic of hell, of course. And I am not saying now that there
is anything wrong with teaching people to fear judgment. But my point is merely
a practical one, and as much an encouragement for Christians as it is a call to
pragmatic consideration from those who are not believers.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
What I mean is, consider the implications of the various
beliefs on hell. In doing so, you will see that being a Christian carries the
least risk. If the atheists are right, then my belief will not have hurt me. I
will not have wasted my life, because there would be no such thing as “waste.”
If Judaism is correct, I get the same result. If either Hinduism or Buddhism is
the right track, then my life will have been poorly spent, but it is still a
low risk since I just get to start over. The biggest potential problems for me
would be on the impermanent-hell spectrum, but so what? If one of them is
right, then sure, I will suffer for a while. But it won’t be forever, and
eventually I will get out. And of course, if Christianity is true, then I will
go to heaven directly. Therefore, being a Christian is the best insurance
policy available. Whatever happens, I will be safe.
Now consider the opposite. There is no harm, ultimately, in
being a Christian. But if Christianity is correct, then believing anything else
comes with the gravest of consequences. If you are an atheist and the Hindus
are correct, then no problem, and vice versa. But if Jesus is the only way to
salvation, as He claimed to be, then the decision for or against Him in this
life is the one chance you get. If you choose wrong, there will be no
opportunity to make it up and you will be stuck in the realm of judgment
forever.
Some people might consider that unfair. They are wrong, but
they are also missing the point. It might seem gracious of all the other
religions to give everyone a second chance, and to channel Obi-wan Kenobi, that
is true from a certain point of view. But that still means it makes the most
sense to follow Jesus. The system with the least margin for error is the most
rational choice.
Starting Point
Thanks for checking out the Quest Forums
blog! If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me here, on Twitter
(@Quest_Forums), or on Facebook (“Quest Forums”). Links are in the sidebar. I
am always looking for new questions and comments, so submit yours on any of
these sites or by emailing questforums.ask@gmail.com.
And please, spread the word! The share buttons below are
a great way to do that. I want to connect with as many people as possible, so
if you know anyone with questions about the Bible, send them my way.
No comments:
Post a Comment